ITS has been awarded a £3.5 million dark fibre contract as part of Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme to enhance public sector connectivity across Carmarthenshire.
The contract, which will see ITS move into South Wales for the first time, aligns with the programme’s goal to create a smart region ready to innovate and adopt emerging technologies, ensuring an inclusive digital landscape that meets everyone’s needs.
This significant investment will serve 41 dark fibre connections across 34 strategic public sector sites in Carmarthenshire, connecting education, health and local authorities. The project includes key partners Carmarthenshire County Council, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Hywel Dda University Health Board, and Coleg Sir Gar.
The new network will connect sites and data centres to store, move, and share large quantities of data securely at ultra-high speed. This will improve the collaboration between these organisations, enabling them to use advanced technology and applications such as AI, and share and analyse data in real-time. It will also underpin innovative ways of working and enable more data-driven decision making, having the capacity to flexibly meet the evolving needs of the sectors and the delivery of modern public services.
It aims to deliver positive community impact, prioritising digital inclusion, tackling inequalities, and limiting environmental impact. Digital Champions in each local authority will work with industry, government, and poorly connected communities to support the delivery of the programme at a local level.
In addition to securing the contract award, ITS will invest in a wholesale full fibre network that mirrors the dark fibre route and extends beyond it to pass more than 2,800 businesses. This private investment will enable access to gigabit-capable services, significantly enhancing the area’s digital infrastructure. It will foster greater market choice, offering highly resilient, business-grade connectivity to both local partners and end-user organisations.
Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS said:
“We are thrilled to have been successful in this tender process which will see us play a pivotal role in transforming the area’s digital landscape. As our first public sector contract in South Wales, this is a fantastic milestone for us and one that will provide the foundation for a connected future for the region, driving innovation and prosperity for the entire community.
“ITS has a strong track record of working with the public sector to deliver connectivity solutions that benefit local businesses and communities, putting social value at the heart of each project. This type of innovation aligns perfectly with the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s objectives, providing a platform for economic growth and bridging the digital divide.”
Cllr. Philip Hughes, Cabinet Member for Organisation and Workforce at Carmarthenshire County Council said:
“This announcement marks a significant advancement in equipping our public sector services to meet future demands. By aligning with the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s objectives, this project will underpin the expanding needs of digital services in our communities, which rely on having effective, secure, and high-capacity infrastructure.
“Not only will it enhance the quality and reliability of services for communities across the county, but it will also act as a catalyst for further investment into digital infrastructure. This investment will foster innovation and economic growth, helping to ensure that Carmarthenshire is able to benefit from technological advancements.”
ITS is at the forefront of next-generation connectivity, with its entire full fibre network built on XGS-PON technology – enabling scalable, high-capacity services. In a UK-first, ITS has successfully trialled dedicated internet access over 50G-PON in both lab and live business environments. This breakthrough marks a significant milestone for the UK fibre market, offering a more sustainable and efficient way to deliver ultra-fast services using existing fibre infrastructure and reducing the need for additional equipment.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to South Wales, ITS has strengthened its regional presence with the appointment of Stephen Dobynne, Client Director for the Public Sector, to the Private Sector Advisory Board of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC).
For more information on this or improving the connectivity in your area, get in touch with your local Digital Champion.
